Carlo Contreras, MD
Academic Title: Associate Professor in the College of Medicine
Research Program: Translational Therapeutics
About Me
More info forI am a surgical oncologist who specializes in skin and soft tissue cancers, including melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. For years, treatment options for these types of cancer have been very limited, but recently, entirely new classes of medications and therapies have been made available that provide unique opportunities to learn and apply innovative treatments that really benefit patients. As a surgeon, my focus is on spending time with my patients so that they feel empowered and knowledgeable about their diagnosis, what it means for them and their loved ones, and which surgical options most closely match their goals. These discussions are all within the context of a dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialists who understand the particular concerns of skin cancer patients. As one of the nation’s leading cancer centers, the OSUCCC – James is able to offer cutting-edge therapies and clinical trial opportunities that are simply not available at many other medical centers. In addition to my clinical work, I am a member of the Translational Therapeutics Program at the OSUCCC – James, where my research focuses on exploring novel therapies that can augment the efficacy of immunotherapy, as well as defining the clinical and molecular underpinnings that mediate response to immunotherapy. My work has appeared in numerous scientific publications, including Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Journal of Clinical Medicine and American Journal of Surgery. I also serve as an associate professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology at The Ohio State University and as medical director of ambulatory services at The James. Additionally, I actively participate in a variety of skin cancer clinical trials and have developed a novel, minimally invasive robotic technique to remove inguinal and pelvic lymph nodes that has been featured at multiple national meetings. One of the great things about working at the OSUCCC – James is the patient-centered approach to treatment because at the end of the day, I am treating a person — not a disease. I also love that everyone here is so dedicated to helping our patients with wellness and remaining cancer-free after they’ve completed their cancer therapy. At The James, we work to help our patients beat cancer and equip them to live their lives to the fullest.
Clinical Expertise
More info for- Skin Cancers
- Melanoma
- Carcinoma, Basal Cell
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
- Robotics
Where I See Patients
More info forEducation & Training
More info forMedical School
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
420 E Superior St, Chicago, IL
Fellowship - Surgical Oncology
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX
Residency - Surgery (General Surgery)
- University of WI Hospital & Clinics
600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Academic Office & Contact Information
More info forAcademic Office:
410 W 10th Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43210-1228Email:
carlo.contreras@osumc.eduReviews
More info forPatient Satisfaction Review
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the five questions gathered from the Outpatient Oncology survey, developed by Press Ganey Associates for use in oncology clinics across the country. On behalf of The James, Press Ganey administers the survey to patients who see our providers in an outpatient clinic office. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our
Patient Satisfaction Survey page The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of The James.
Videos
More info forPublications
More info forAugust 14, 2024Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma to the Skin: A Case Report and Review of This Unusual Neoplasm.
Lee-Diaz E, Contreras C, Plaza JA
Am J Dermatopathol
June 1, 2024Adjuvant PD-1-based therapies for high-risk resected melanomas are here to stay.
Haykal T, Contreras C
Am J Surg
March 24, 2024ASO Visual Abstract: Comparing Multivisceral Resection with Tumor-Only Resection of Liposarcoma Using the Win Ratio.
Gorji L, Nikahd M, Onuma A, Tsilimigras D, Hyer JM, Ruff S, Ilyas FZ, Contreras C, Grignol VP, Kim A, Pollock R, Pawlik TM, Beane JD
Ann Surg Oncol
March 16, 2024Radiation therapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma: practice patterns in North America.
Ruff SM, Heh V, Konieczkowski DJ, Onuma A, Dunlop HM, Kim AC, Grignol VP, Contreras CM, Pawlik TM, Pollock R, Beane JD
Radiat Oncol
February 12, 2024Comparing Multivisceral Resection with Tumor-only Resection of Liposarcoma Using the Win Ratio.
Gorji L, Nikahd M, Onuma A, Tsilimigras D, Madison Hyer J, Ruff S, Ilyas FZ, Contreras C, Grignol VP, Kim A, Pollock R, Pawlik TM, Beane JD
Ann Surg Oncol
February 1, 2024Disparities in Survival and NCCN Guideline-Concordant Care in Patients With Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma.
Dunlop HM, Bende B, Ruff SM, Kim A, Fisher JL, Grignol VP, Contreras CM, Obeng-Gyasi S, Konieczkowski DJ, Pawlik TM, Pollock RE, Beane JD
J Natl Compr Canc Netw
January 1, 2024NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Version 1.2024.
Schmults CD, Blitzblau R, Aasi SZ, Alam M, Amini A, Bibee K, Bolotin D, Bordeaux J, Chen PL, Contreras CM, DiMaio D, Donigan JM, Farma JM, Ghosh K, Harms K, Ho AL, Lukens JN, Manber S, Mark L, Medina T, Nehal KS, Nghiem P, Olino K, Park S, Patel T, Puzanov I, Rich J, Sekulic A, Shaha AR, Srivastava D, Thomas V, Tomblinson C, Venkat P, Xu YG, Yu S, Yusuf M, McCullough B, Espinosa S
J Natl Compr Canc Netw
January 1, 2024Hedgehog pathway inhibitors for locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinoma: A real-world single-center retrospective review.
Patel S, Armbruster H, Pardo G, Archambeau B, Kim NH, Jeter J, Wu R, Kendra K, Contreras CM, Spaccarelli N, Dulmage B, Pootrakul L, Carr DR, Verschraegen C
PLoS One
November 22, 2023Preoperative radiation therapy increases adherence in patients with high-risk extremity soft tissue sarcoma.
Dunlop HM, Atchison TJ, Zeh R, Konieczkowski DJ, Kim A, Grignol VP, Contreras CM, Obeng-Gyasi S, Pawlik TM, Pollock RE, Beane JD
Surgery
November 1, 2023Basal Cell Skin Cancer, Version 2.2024, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.
Schmults CD, Blitzblau R, Aasi SZ, Alam M, Amini A, Bibee K, Bordeaux J, Chen PL, Contreras CM, DiMaio D, Donigan JM, Farma JM, Ghosh K, Harms K, Ho AL, Lukens JN, Mark L, Medina T, Nehal KS, Nghiem P, Olino K, Park S, Patel T, Puzanov I, Rich J, Sekulic A, Shaha AR, Srivastava D, Thomas V, Tomblinson C, Venkat P, Xu YG, Yu S, Yusuf M, McCullough B, Espinosa S
J Natl Compr Canc Netw
April 29, 2023Association between surgical delay and outcomes among patients with invasive cutaneous melanoma.
Hewitt DB, Beane JD, Grignol VP, Contreras CM
Am J Surg
March 1, 2023A rare tonsillar metastasis of Merkel cell carcinoma: A case report.
Okonkwo PC, Henning A, Plaza J, Agrawal A, Contreras CM
Clin Case Rep
July 22, 2022Correction: Co-axial Projective Imaging for Augmented Reality Telementoring in Skin Cancer Surgery.
Zhang F, Contreras CM, Shao P, Zhao L, Wu B, Li C, Lin T, Zhong X, Lang Z, Liu P, Xu RX
Ann Biomed Eng
July 7, 2022The Role of AKT in Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Review and Insights.
Wang Y, Ilyas FZ, Kheradmandi M, Tsilimigras DI, Grignol VP, Contreras C, Tsichlis PN, Pollock RE, Beane JD
Mol Cancer Res
July 5, 2022Co-axial Projective Imaging for Augmented Reality Telementoring in Skin Cancer Surgery.
Zhang F, Contreras CM, Shao P, Zhao L, Wu B, Li C, Lin F, Zhong X, Lang Z, Liu P, Xu RX
Ann Biomed Eng
February 1, 2022A Review of the Literature Related to Limb Precautions After Lymph Node Dissection.
Brophy L, Bales A, Ziemann JK, Navigato K, Contreras C
Clin J Oncol Nurs
December 1, 2021NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Squamous Cell Skin Cancer, Version 1.2022.
Schmults CD, Blitzblau R, Aasi SZ, Alam M, Andersen JS, Baumann BC, Bordeaux J, Chen PL, Chin R, Contreras CM, DiMaio D, Donigan JM, Farma JM, Ghosh K, Grekin RC, Harms K, Ho AL, Holder A, Lukens JN, Medina T, Nehal KS, Nghiem P, Park S, Patel T, Puzanov I, Scott J, Sekulic A, Shaha AR, Srivastava D, Stebbins W, Thomas V, Xu YG, McCullough B, Dwyer MA, Nguyen MQ
J Natl Compr Canc Netw
October 29, 2021Management of Transected Invasive Melanoma: A Single Institution Retrospective Review.
Duncan JR, Beal LL, Daugherty A, Elston C, Contreras C, Phillips CB, Huang C
Dermatol Surg
September 1, 2021Precision Nuclear Medicine: The Evolving Role of PET in Melanoma.
Wright CL, Miller ED, Contreras C, Knopp MV
Radiol Clin North Am
September 1, 2021Coaxial projective imaging for sentinel lymph node mapping in melanoma.
Zhang R, Yang R, Lang Z, Wu B, Shao P, Liu P, Zhong X, Contreras CM, Xu RX
JAAD Case Rep
January 1, 2021Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: A United States Multi-Center Substage Survival Analysis.
Kolla AM, Vitiello GA, Friedman EB, Sun J, Potdar A, Daou H, Farrow NE, Farley CR, Vetto JT, Han D, Tariq M, Beasley GM, Contreras CM, Lowe M, Zager JS, Osman I, Berman RS, Liebman TN, Stein JA, Lee AY
Cancer Control
Consulting and Related Relationships
More info forAt The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the university requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their university responsibilities. As of 09/30/2024, Dr. Contreras has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Patient Comments
Dr. Contreras spent approx 1 hour with me. Reviewed my history and biopsy results.Did an exam, explained my treatment options. Explained surgical biopsy option and risks. Scheduled excision and biopsy and pre-surgery tests. He answered all my questions and concerns. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Contreras and all his staff.
WONDERFUL DOCTOR!!
Very self explanatory
Dr Contreras was informative , pleasant to talk to , and puts you very at ease. Just by your your conversation with him, you know he knows what he is doing , and has your as atop priority. Highly recommend him!
He had answers to all of our questions
Very nice very understanding
The staff and Dr were very caring and explained how the process was going to work. Very caring staff. Thank you for all the smiles!
Everyone person I encountered was helpful and very nice.
Excellent
AMAZING Experience with Dr Contreras and his ENTIRE team. My husband and I felt like we were part of the "Team" and everyone was there "fighting" for me.
Dr. Contreras is wonderful!
Dr Contreras is very professional, kind, patient, and thorough. He doesn't talk down to me and I feel that I am as much in control of my health, treatment and care as he is which I very much appreciate. I feel he takes me (and ALL me questions) as seriously as he does my care.
Each and everyone made me feel like family! I sincerely am gonna miss these people
The care received from health care providers was exceptional.
Dr. Contreras took time to explain everything and addressed all of my concerns.
Top notch
Dr. Contreras and the entire team are exceptional. They are obviously extremely knowledgeable, and they have excellent communication skills and demonstrate wonderful "bed-side manner".
I always get answers to my questions and no matter how trivial they may be, the staff answers them.
Dr. Contreras and his nurse made me feel I was in good hands in my first appointment.This helped to relieve my anxiety.
Dr Contreras was caring and compassionate. He took his time with me; I never felt rush. He explained everything in terms I could comprehend and process.
Spent considerable time with me
Spent a lot time with patient
Good
Professional
So far so good. No complaints.
Dr. Contreras and every nurse I have met has been professional, kind, and reassuring that I would get the treatment I need.
Dr. Contreras and his staff are exceptional. In addition to their high level expertise, they demonstrate excellent compassion, patient education and general bed-side manner.
Friendly staff. Described what was being said in terms for easy understanding
I'm grateful I had Dr. Contreras to treat my melanoma. He is amazing! My quality of care was exceptional. He showed concern, was very informative, answered all of my questions/concerns, and I trust him.
All providers were very bright and explained situation and process well. We left knowing next steps and what to expect next.
If there was a higher score I could give him, Dr Contreras would get it. He Is very thorough & I feel cared for as a patient. He listens to my concerns and questions and gives thoughtful, easy to understand answers. When he says he will do something he does it. He has never dropped the ball.
Dr. Contreras is the best!
Carlo, Contreras was very professional and planned the right treatment I needed.
I am very impressed about the knowledge and care I get with this surgeon!
Very well pleased with the time spent with providers, and they were already well informed of my condition. Answered all of our questions.
Very professional and pleasant. Very informative and asked all questions about cancer and procedure to be done.
Care & support was excellent!
Very good.
Amazing care!
Good at their profession
Dr. Contreras and each of his staff are SUPERB!! I've never been treated better by any medical persons!! THE BEST!
Good.
Dr. Contraries was very informative as was his nurse practitioner. He asked me to ask my oncologist about a question concerning a procedure to follow up. I mentioned that I was concerned that I would forget the procedure, so he hand wrote the question on out for me. I'm very grateful how he's so thorough on following up my records and tests.
Dr. Contreras was fantastic, wonderful patient care!